Health risk implications of iron in wastewater soil-food crops grown in the vicinity of peri urban areas of the District Sargodha

Irrigation using sewage water can be beneficial, as it can increase the productivity of crops but has negative consequences on crops, soil contamination, and human health. It contains a variety of toxins, such as chemicals and heavy metals, which damage the soil and crops. In this regard, the aim of the research was to assess the potential health hazards of iron (Fe) metal in food crops (leafy and root crops) treated with wastewater (T_1), canal water (T_2), and tube well water (T_3). Water, soil, and edible components of food crops were collected at random from three distinct locations. Fe concentration in samples was estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, following wet digestion method. The Fe concentrations, ranged from 0.408 to 1.03 mg/l in water, 31.55 to 187.47 mgkg-1 in soil and 4.09 to 32.583 mgkg-1 in crop samples; which were within permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO). There was a positive correlation between soils and crops. The bioconcentration factor, enrichment factor (EF), daily intake of metals (DIM), health risk index (HRI), and target hazard quotient (THQ) all values were <1, except for a pollution load index >1, which indicated soil contamination, but there was no Fe toxicity in crops, no health risk, and no-carcinogenic risk for these food crops in humans. To prevent the excessive accumulation of Fe metal in the food chain, regular monitoring is needed.